Mi Placita Mexico Clasico now open in old Maid-Rite location in Loves Park

LOVES PARK — If you have a craving for authentic Mexican food, Mi Placita Mexico Clasico promises to to delight just about anyone's palate.

"We have burritos, tacos, quesadillas, chimichangas, enchiladas, fajitas, flautas, chicken plates, steak plates, pork plates and more," said restaurant owner Kevin Mata.

The L-shaped eatery is located in the space formerly occupied by Maid-Rite and later Riverside Family Restaurant. If the name Mi Placita (meaning town square in Spanish) Mexico Clasico sounds familiar, it should. Mata's family owns Mexico Clasico at 3929 Broadway in Rockford.

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"This is going to be like a branch of that," Mata said of the Loves Park restaurant. "A lot of people like the food over there, and they should know the food over here is going to be the same with the same flavor."

Wednesday, officials from Loves Park, Machesney Park and Winnebago County and others joined Mata outside the restaurant, 1726 E. Riverside Blvd., for its grand opening and ribbon cutting.

"Winnebago County is open for business and this is just another aspect of showing how well Loves Park is doing in the county and for their citizens of Loves Park," Winnebago County Board Chairman Joe Chiarelli said.

Mi Placita Mexico Clasico is one of several restaurants to open or planning to open this year in the East Riverside Boulevard corridor. Cantina Taco, 6342 E. Riverside, opened in January; Baked Wings, 6390 E. Riverside, is expected to open this year; and Tom and Jerry's is expected to break ground later this year at 7170 E. Riverside.

Mi Placita Mexico Clasico has a staff of 10 people.

The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Chris Green: 815-987-1241; cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen